127 Hours - The Movie and being Prepared

I recently watched the movie, 127 Hours.  It is based on the true story of a hiker in Moab, Utah.  He was hiking alone when a rock fell on his arm leaving him trapped.  After 127 hours, he cut of his own arm in a final attempt to free himself.  He survived and went on to write a book about his ordeal upon which the movie is based.

As I was watching the movie I was more concerned with what he did wrong right and before and during his ordeal than the movie itself.  My thoughts are as follows:

Mistakes
1) Heading solo into the wilderness.  I only call this a partial mistake because I know many people love the solitude and reflection available on a solo trip.  You just have to remember that a solo trip is deadly serious and prepare accordingly.
2) He set out on a trip without telling anyone where he was going or when to expect him back.  This is critical when venturing into the wild but can be just as critical in everyday life.  Did you let anyone know the last time you took a weekend road trip?  Do you provide your spouse with a copy of your travel plans when you take a business trip?
2) Gear Quality - He broke a cheap, Chinese made multi-tool and had trouble with gear not being accessible when he was trapped.  There are certain items that have to work when needed.  A few that come to mind are firearm, ammunition, knife, batteries, flashlight, watch, compass, backpack, rope, canteen, vehicle etc.  Most of us are tempted by inexpensive gear.  Just remember to determine if that inexpensive gear is cheap.
3) Gear availability -  Some of his gear was not available for use due to how he was trapped.  He had access to most of the gear on his person.  Do not keep all of your gear in your pack.  Two is one and One is none.  Spread your gear between your person and your pack.  This rule applies everyday so keep this in mind when selecting your EDC gear and if you carry it on your person or your computer bag/briefcase/vehicle.

Positives
1) He kept a positive attitude for the most part and visualized why he wanted to live.
2) He was very resourceful in utilizing what gear he had available.  The 127 hours was spent trying to free himself multiple ways before resorting to cutting off his arm.  At one point he set up a pulley system with his climbing gear in an attempt to move the rock.

While watching the movie I thought of the "I Survived" television series on the Biography channel.  I end up going thru the same negative/positive analysis when watching this series.  The two things that stand out in every story are the will the survive and resourcefulness.  Your are going to have to be resourceful in any survival situation but the better prepared your are with gear and knowledge the better your chances of survival. 

September is National Preparedness Month!

"It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” — Howard Ruff During the month of September we are offering the following offer on select Wise Food products: Buy a 1080 Serving Package, get (2) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $69) Buy a 1440 Serving Package, get (4) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $138) Buy a 2160 Serving Package, get (6) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $207) Buy a 2880 Serving Package, get (8) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $276) Buy a 4320 Serving Package, get (10) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $345) We are now also carrying Chef's banquet long term storage food in addition to Wise long term storage food.  The largest difference between the two brands is packet size.  Wise foods come packaged in 4 serving packets.  Chef's Banquet comes in 5-10 serving packets.  The Chef's Banquet line is less expensive primarily due to the economy afforded thru reduced packaging. FREE Shipping on all long term storage food at SunflowerAmmo.com ·Cookies are disabled. In order to shop on this Web store, you must have cookies enabled. For instructions on how to enable cookies, please see the help section of your browser. Once cookies are enabled please refresh the current page.

Basic Emergency Supply List

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Local maps Cell phone with chargers Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit: Prescription medications and glasses Infant formula and diapers Pet food and extra water for your pet Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container Cash or traveler's checks and change Emergency reference material such as a first aid book Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate. Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate. Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. Fire Extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Disaster Prepardness and Recovery links

This is a great article from Popular Mechanics applying lessons learned in Haiti to potential disasters here in the US.  It discusses the New Madrid fault for those of us in the Midwest.

For all of our friends on the West Coast is a link to the LAFD emergency preparedness booklet.

The one thing that mainstream sources tend to forget are guns and ammo.  You should have a gun(s) for self defense and know how to use it.  You should also have plenty of ammo to include practice loads and self defense loads.